Food Additive Scanner App
BioBrief is a free food additive scanner app that decodes every E-number and additive on a food label. Scan any barcode to see what each additive is, why it is used, and whether it is banned or restricted anywhere in the world. Free for iPhone and Android.
Free for iPhone and Android
Decode E-Numbers Instantly
Most food labels list additives by their E-number code — E102, E211, E621 — without explaining what they are. BioBrief translates every E-number into plain language: what the additive is, what it does in food, its harm level, and whether it is banned or restricted in the EU or other countries. Scan a barcode and get the full breakdown in seconds.
Harm Levels and Bans
BioBrief assigns each additive a harm level based on regulatory assessments from EFSA and the FDA. Additives banned in the EU — such as Red 3, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, and potassium bromate — are flagged prominently. Additives banned in some countries but not others are also flagged with the relevant jurisdictions listed.
Database of Over 380 Additives
BioBrief's additive database covers over 380 food additives including colorants, preservatives, sweeteners, emulsifiers, stabilizers, flavor enhancers, and antioxidants. Each entry includes the additive's name, E-code, category, harm level, common foods it appears in, and a plain-language description of what it does and why it matters.
Banned and Restricted Additives
Some additives approved in one country are banned in another. BioBrief flags additives that are banned in the EU, banned in the US, or restricted in specific countries. This is especially useful when buying imported products or travelling internationally. The app explains why each additive is restricted and links to the relevant regulatory source.
Free Food Additive Scanner
BioBrief is free to download on the App Store and Google Play. Additive scanning, E-number lookup, harm level checking, and ban status are all free features. A premium tier adds unlimited scan history, shopping list sync, and detailed nutritional analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many food additives does BioBrief cover?
- BioBrief's additive database covers over 380 food additives including colorants, preservatives, sweeteners, emulsifiers, stabilizers, flavor enhancers, and antioxidants. The database is compiled from EU and US regulatory sources.
- Does BioBrief show which additives are banned in the EU?
- Yes. BioBrief flags additives that are banned in the EU, banned in the US, or restricted in specific countries. Examples include Red 3, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, and potassium bromate.
- Can I look up an additive by its E-number?
- Yes. Use the additive checker in BioBrief to search by E-number, additive name, or alternate name. The app returns the full additive profile including harm level, category, common foods, and ban status.
Start decoding food additives today
Free for iPhone and Android. No account required to start scanning.